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The last time I wrote to you I extolled the virtues of the new-new-new-new J. Crew, and, of course, since then, I have come to decide I hate all the things I purchased while in that fog (along with every other piece of clothing I own). Well, not quite true — I don’t mind the striped linen shirt, and I still have to try on this dress that a reader shared with me, which I can absolutely imagine haughtily strolling to/from meetings in, if I had that kind of job. The other day I told some friends I was hoping the Gossip Girl reboot would precipitate a return to Prep, which I think, if I’m being honest, remains my ideal aesthetic. I have never felt better about my style than I did in 2004/2005, my senior year of high school, when I wore cardigans and blazers and mini skirts and knee socks and broaches everyday.

Prep is one of few trends (among those I’ve lived through, anyway) that feels fully ageless, to me — one just does it differently over time. I keep cutting the bottoms of T-shirts and sweatshirts to go with the cropped look that I like so much on other younger people, but at some point not too long from now, I will be in my mid-thirties. Obviously, on principle, I believe anyone can wear anything they want at any age, but I do think there is such a thing as infantilizing oneself via fashion. Anyway, this blazer (in both grey check and black) is in my Madewell cart, tempting me.

Unrelatedly, and I’m almost hesitant to share this with you, because it’s such an identifiable brand and I’d like to keep it for myself, I’ve become obsessed with everything Farm Rio. I have this jumpsuit, and it’s so light and airy and comfortably sized (I usually wear an 8, and the medium has some spare room but not too much). Now I really, REALLY want this patchwork kimono, which is on sale for $100, but as longtime readers of the newsletter know, I’m simply not a robe gal, despite my vivid imagination. I get dressed right after I shower. I don’t swan around my apartment naked, in need of a thin silk covering. When would I wear this? No idea, but I love it. It reminds me (in spirit if not in print) of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic glittering robe that she once wore as actual clothes.

One last thing: I know I don’t need more face masks. I know every face mask I have produces dubious-to-no visible effect. But. This one (made famous by Diplo??) is such a pretty blue. Sephora reviewers agree that it’s beautiful, but can’t decide if it does anything. My colleagues are equally mixed. Do you have personal experience with the blue face mask? Please let me know.

~things I read/am reading~

I read The New Meby Halle Butler on the Kindle app on my phone, as recommended by someone on Twitter when I complained that I fall asleep 20 minutes into reading anything otherwise. Much to my surprise, I didn’t hate the experience, and I blew through the book. I had fun changing the font size and background color. (It’s the little things.) I also liked this book! It’s pretty depressing, but in an honest, funny way, and it made me feel grateful for what I have, which is a nice feeling. I also recently completed the Three Body trilogy, and can’t imagine how anything else will ever compare. It feels like a really timely read, given the climate crisis. I haven’t been so moved by books in a long time. Next up: Socialist Realismby Trisha Low.